Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Thiruvarur

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Thiruvarur

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is located in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The nearest city, Thanjavur, is located 25 kms from the sanctuary. Created in July 1999, the Sanctuary attracts more than 40 species of water birds like Ibis, Painted stork, Grey pelican, Pintail, Cormorant, Teals, Herons etc. The Sanctuary is a large irrigation tank which receives water from Mettur dam especially from the northeast monsoon from August to December. It remains dry from April to August.

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary in Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu is a sure-fire treat for bird lovers. At the heart of this serene sanctuary is a large lake which lies alongside the stunning Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Vaduvur. The forest department has created mounds along the lake shore and it’s such an amazing spectacle to see thousands of chirping birds roosting on the trees here.  It’s a truly unforgettable sight.

Vaduvur was located 25 Kms away from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur - Mannargudi state highway. The irrigation tank receives water from November to April every year which attracts a numerous foreign birds from Europe and America. The main attraction is the fertile wetlands in the region.

There are also numerous lakes which provide the most required variety of fishes for the birds. The sanctuary is free for Visitors and the government has provided basic facilities for an overnight stay. There are two towers located in the sanctuary for the ease of visitors. More than 38 species of water birds are found here.

Bird migration is a seasonal phenomenon and when the temperature escalates in Europe and in the North America, the bird’s starts seeing for a location that will be suitable for survival. The wetlands in this region are quite suitable for the migratory birds as it provides suitable environment for food, shelter and reproduction.

The farmers of this region also love the arrival of migratory birds as the irrigation water becomes fertile once it was enriched with the excretory of the birds. The state government had appointed officers for prevention of both hunting and poaching. Poaching and hunting is illegal and a punishable offence. The villagers were aware of this and a friendly environment for the shelter of the birds prevails. The small town is a good agricultural land and rice is grown in plenty.

The state government has provided facilities for sightseeing and relaxation. Public transport is also available 24X7 from both Thanjavur and Mannargudi. The entire sanctuary was a protected area and the birds can be seen only from towers or from the nearby location. The pleasant sound that arises from the variety of birds is pleasant and warming.

There is also a famous Ramar Kovil (Ram Temple) in the small town. Kothandaramaswamy is the name of the god in the temple.

Location	14 Km from Mannargudi towards Thanjavur in Thiruvarur district
Area	128.10 Ha.
Forest type	Fresh water lake with a few trees mainly Babul.
Avifauna found	40 spp of birds recorded. Black-headed Ibis, River tern, Black headed munia, Grey heron, White-breasted king fisher, Spotted dove, etc.
Annual rainfall	About 1400 mm.
Nearest airport	Tiruchirapalli
Nearest Railway station	Thanjavur 25 Km , Trichy 75 Km
Best season	November to February
Accommodation	Hotels, Rest House at Mannargudi
For greater details	The Wildlife Warden, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary 110 Public Offices Road Nagapattinam – 611 001.

History

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary is of fairly recent vintage having opened in 1999.

Fauna

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary attracts over 40 different kinds of birds from grey pelicans, pintails, spoonbills, darters and cormorants to teals, coots, and pheasant tailed jacana, white- breasted kingfishers, herons, ibis open-billed storks and painted stork. etc.. The sanctuary is a significant spot for migratory birds that attracts almost 20000 birds during the month of November. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of November and December. At this time there is maximum congregation of migratory birds. There are accommodation facilities here for the tourists. The sanctuary also has two watch towers inside the sanctuary that help in bird watching. The sanctuary remains open to visitors throughout the year. 

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary can easily be reached through bus that ply between Trichy that is almost 75 kms away and Thanjavur that is 25 Kms. 

Early mornings and evening hours are delightful when these graceful winged creatures arrive by the picturesque lakeside.

Tourist Information

The sanctuary has basic facilities for overnight halt for a limited number of visitors. There are two watch towers inside the sanctuary for bird watching.

Available in private hotels and lodges in Thanjavur (25 km)

Bird watching: The best time to visit the sanctuary is during November to December.
The sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year.

Facts

Holidays: None

Season: August to February

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 05:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Area: 128.1 Ha

General: Facilities: View Towers, Binoculars.

Video Camera Fee: Rs. 30/-

Entry Fee: Free

Contact

Wildlife Warden, 

Point Calimere WLS, Collectorate, 

Nagapattinam 611 002, 

District Nagapattinam, 

Phone: (04365) 253092

Connectivity

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transports. It is 75 kms from Trichy, 25 kms from Thanjavur. The nearest railway station is located at Thanjavur that is 25 kms away. The nearest Airport is at Trichy that is at a distance of 75 kms.